Photocourse 1 - Introduction to creative photography - starts 5th August, 2025

This introductory course gets you off the auto settings and covers the basics of camera control and photo composition for users of mirrorless and DSLR cameras.  Limit of 6 places

The course runs on Tuesday evenings, 5th to 26th August, 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The Saturday workshop at Makara Beach will be on 9th August, 10.30am-3pm
Course fee $290, includes deposit of $90 to confirm your place.

Introduction
Photocourse 1 is the first in a series of part-time course, run from our studios and gallery at Photospace, Courtenay Place, Wellington city. It provides an excellent introduction to the basic skills of photography through practical workshops and assignments that explore the most important techniques and the main themes of photography.

While there are many online camera tutorials and suchlike available, you can't go past the opportunity to learn the creative side of photography in a small group environment with highly experienced, knowledgeable tutors. The aim is to begin to see as a photographer: to learn how to translate what you see into unique, personal photographs. To achieve this, taking full control of the camera is essential. You get to make the creative decisions, not your camera.
You will get constructive personal feedback on your own photos and also learn a lot from feedback on others' photos. 

Photocourse 1 is aimed at beginner-level or first-time DSLR and mirrorless camera users, but intermediate-level photographers will also find it a good refresher and a worthwhile learning experience.

A key part of this course is the time spent out at Makara Beach and township taking photos on the Saturday. You will need to be able to attend this to get the most benefit from the course. We go  out to Makara Beach in the morning and return to Wellington by 4pm at the latest. The reserve day (for bad weather) is the following Saturday.

With a small class (limit of 6 people) and  an experienced, professional  tutor, we can offer you plenty of individual attention and feedback.

Suitable digital cameras:
- DSLR - digital single lens reflex -  Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic Lumix, Sony, etc
- Mirrorless interchangeable lens, (Nikon Z-series, Canon R series, Fuji X series, Olympus, Sony, Panasonic Lumix, etc)
- This is not for cellphones, though the new skills and insight you gain will improve your phone photography.

The main thing is the camera must allow manual setting of the main creative controls; shutter speed, f-stop, ISO, white balance. If in doubt about your camera model, please email for advice.
Extra lenses are nice to have but not necessary; you could do everything with one fixed standard lens if you wish.
A tripod can be useful, but if you don't have one we have plenty of spare tripods available for you to borrow if needed.

Lilies in pot, Feb 2025. Photo James Gilberd

Shadows in the studio, September 2022. Photo: J.Gilberd

Tutors: James Gilberd and Thomas Slade

Topics covered include:

• How to take creative control of your camera
  
• Aesthetics: composition, colour, light quality
  
• Camera technique: creative use of shutter speed, depth of field, ISO, lens choice, etc
• Light metering, histograms, exposure
• Selecting your photos, with feedback.
  

Photocourse 1 Course fee

Total course fee: $290.00 including GST.

To reserve a place, a deposit of $90.00 is required - see conditions & payment.

Makara church interior. Photo: J.Gilberd

Photo workshop at Makara Beach. Photo: J.Gilberd

Makara Beach

Photographing at Makara Beach, Wellington. Photo: J.Gilberd